Australia's Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese says a re-established discussion forum will ensure that residents can have their say on Sydney airport's development plans for the east-west runway.

The Sydney Airport Community Forum will be responsible for advising the Australian Government on noise levels and acting as mediator for affected communities.

The 25-member forum has representatives from local, state and federal government, as well as the airline sector and the community.

Opening the forum's first meeting on February 15, chairman Vic Smith said it should aim to be inclusive.

"[It will] work cooperatively with the aviation authorities to help build effective networks for and on behalf of our communities affected by aircraft noise and the operations of the airport," he said.

Mr Albanese says the planned airport extensions are part of mandatory safety requirements, but he hopes they will be over in less than 15 months.

"It is quite clear that in order to comply with international regulations that this has to be done," he said.

"Five of the six runways have already been completed.

"The sixth and most difficult end is of course the western end of the east-west runway, which has been delayed to last, which I think is unfortunate."

The forum was re-established by the Australian Government last month, after residents complained about a lack of consultation over planned upgrades to the east-west runway.